Friday's Daily Pulse

What you need to know about Florida today

| 6/14/2013

Amazon deal could bring thousands of Florida jobs

Gov. Rick Scott and Amazon announced a deal Thursday in which the Internet retail giant would create 3,000 new jobs in Florida by 2016. But the good news comes with a catch: The new jobs in the state also mean consumers will be required to pay a 6 percent state sales tax on all the books, DVDs, CDs and other products they buy through Amazon.com. More from the Tampa Bay Times , the AP and the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Space Florida is pushing for a commercial launch site (rendering) near the Brevard-Volusia border. »Story here

Florida Trend Exclusive Drumming up support for a commercial spaceport

Space Florida, the state’s aerospace economic development agency, continues to work for a commercial launch site just north of the Kennedy Space Center. The agency, together with the state, has proposed that NASA carve out 150 acres near the Brevard-Volusia border as a site for a commercial spaceport. Full story...

71 percent of Florida voters back immigration reform

More than 7 in 10 Florida voters favor the concept of the bipartisan immigration reform plans proposed in Congress, according to a new survey that indicates the issue might not be as politically polarizing as many say. The results released Thursday from Republican-leaning Harper Polling and Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling could be a big boost to Florida’s Republican Sen. Marco Rubio. [Source: Miami Herald]

Why Democrats struggle to win Florida elections

With new party leadership, an advantage in voter registration, and a vulnerable Republican governor seeking re-election, Florida Democrats should be in a strong position, but the outlook isn't all that dazzling. Read more from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and see also:

As Florida's growth machine stirs back to life, new Census data point to a familiar reason for the resurgence: The lure of a warm and sunny retirement. The state's 65-and-older population grew 4.5 percent according to new figures. [Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Money 'watcher' keeps clients' finances on track[South Florida Sun-Sentinel] Caitlin Hall, of Plantation, makes money minding others' dollars. These days, Hall, 39, and a growing number of professional daily money managers cater to clients who are too busy, elderly or inexperienced to handle their finances.

› South Florida business with China grows [South Florida Sun-Sentinel] To succeed in business with China involves doing your homework, building trust with Chinese partners — and often drinking lots of alcohol. That was some of the advice offered by a panel of China experts at a seminar Thursday in Fort Lauderdale, sponsored by HSBC Bank and organized by the South Florida Business Journal.

› Teenage bakery owner wins national award[South Florida Sun-Sentinel] Shea Gouldd, the 18-year-old owner of the popular Shea's Bakery in Delray Beach was named National Young Entrepreneur of the Year during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.